The Blue Hen

I’ve eaten at Blue Hen several times without incident. But tonight I was glutened by my meal despite having a lengthy conversation with the server about nothing going in the deep fryer. As I ate my meal, I began to find “bits” from the fryer in the sauce and I could taste a deep fried flavor in the carrots. I asked the server if the carrots were deep fried and she insisted that they weren’t. I pointed out the deep fried bits on my plate that I had pushed to the side and asked what they were…after some resistance she finally offered to check with the chef even though she “said gluten free on the order.” Lo and behold, they have a new sous chef and the carrots were in fact deep fried. I’m already feeling sick (just left the restaurant 15 minutes ago.) I can’t recommend this restaurant to anyone with celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

This place was absolutely delicious. They don’t have a separate GF menu but the wait staff are very knowledgable. Many items are fried with rice flour making the worry of cross contamination a bit less. I got the crab cake as my appetizer and scallops entree. It is a few hours later and I feel great!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Fantastic food and experience. Staff were open and knowledgeable about gluten, listed certain items which could be made GF, and noted the fryer is shared. Great delicious meal, no after-effects.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Excellent food. While there is no gluten-free menu, they are aware of gluten restrictions. They also have many options for both appetizers and entrees. I was so impressed that we ate there two nights in a row. The GF crabcake was delicious as was the tuna. As with any restaurant, I recommend speaking with the manager when you arrive.